How To Use a Steamer Basket: 3 Types of Steamers & Uses

Steaming might just be the unsung hero of the kitchen. It’s quick and easy and lets you whip up everything from light veggies to juicy dumplings. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf of steamer baskets feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone.

At Caraway , we’re all about making life in the kitchen as straightforward as possible. That's why we’re here to walk you through the types of steamer baskets available and how to make them work for you.

What Is a Steaming Basket?

A steaming basket is a classic kitchen tool that uses the power of steam to cook food. This cooking method has roots in ancient culinary traditions, especially across Asia , where it’s been used for centuries.

The basket sits above boiling water, holding the food just out of reach of the liquid. As the water boils, steam rises, cooking the food gently and evenly. It’s a beautifully simple way to cook, preserving the flavors and textures of your ingredients.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Steamer?

Now that you're familiar with what a steaming basket is, you might wonder why you might want to start using one. Steaming comes with a host of benefits that could revolutionize the way you cook.

Here are the top reasons why it’s a level-up in the kitchen.

Preserves Nutrients

One of the biggest wins of steaming is how it retains more vitamins and minerals in your food. Unlike boiling, where nutrients can get lost in the water, steaming locks in the goodness, making your meals as nutritious as they are delicious.

Achieves Your Desired Texture

If you’ve ever had perfectly steamed vegetables or fish, you know what we’re talking about. Steaming gives you control over texture, ensuring that veggies stay crisp and fish remains moist and flaky. Say goodbye to soggy sides and overcooked mains.

Versatility

Think steamers are just for vegetables? Think again. From fluffy rice and soft buns to delicate fish and even certain desserts, there’s not much a good steamer basket can’t handle . Plus, they’re fantastic for reheating leftovers without drying them out. So, whether you're prepping a quick dinner or a feast for a crowd, a steamer basket has you covered.

What Are the Types of Steamer Baskets?

If you’re new to steaming, you might be wondering which steamer basket to get. There are a few types, and each works a little differently.

Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide which one fits your kitchen best.

1. Bamboo Steamer Baskets

Bamboo steamers are a traditional choice made from natural bamboo, offering a lightweight and eco-friendly option for steaming. With their stackable layers, they let you steam multiple items at the same time, saving you time in the kitchen.

The kicker? They require a bit of extra care—bamboo isn’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to hand-wash and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold or odors.

2. Stainless Steel Steamer Baskets

Stainless steel steamers are the most durable option and can handle just about anything you throw at them. They’re dishwasher-safe, fit a variety of pots, and are great for steaming everything from veggies to seafood. One thing to watch out for is the potential for scratching non-stick cookware, so use them carefully.

If you’re looking for a stainless steel steamer that checks all the boxes, meet Caraway’s non-toxic, non-stick steamer . It’s designed to nest perfectly inside our Dutch Oven, making it ideal for family meals.

With a toxin-free stainless steel body, it cooks faster and cleans up easily—no scrubbing required. It’s a game-changer for home cooks who want steaming to be as effortless as it is healthy.

3. Silicone Steamer Baskets

Silicone steamers are all about convenience. They’re flexible, naturally non-stick, and easy to clean. You can even use them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.

They’re gentle on non-stick cookware, making them a safe option for your favorite pots and pans. However, silicone might not hold up well in high-heat stovetop steaming, so they’re best for moderate cooking tasks.

What Can You Make In a Steamer?

Now that you’ve got the scoop on the different types of steamer baskets, let’s talk about what you can actually make with them. Whether you’re craving dumplings, buns, or other dim sum favorites, a steamer has you covered.

It’s also perfect for steaming veggies like sweet potatoes and broccoli or delicate proteins like fish and chicken—keeping everything moist, flavorful, and oil-free.

Planning to refresh your kitchen for the new year? Caraway’s Lunar New Year Bundle has all the essentials you need to elevate your cooking game—think cutting boards, baking sheets, utensils, and food storage, all designed to keep things clean and non-toxic. Pair it with our non-stick, stainless steel steamer, and you’ll be ready to tackle any recipe with ease.

How To Steam Food

Ready to get steaming? It’s a straightforward process, but a few simple steps can make all the difference.

Select Appropriate Cookware

First, choose the right pot or pan to pair with your steamer basket. For a bamboo steamer, a wok works perfectly, as its wide base holds the basket snugly above the water. For a stainless steel or silicone steamer, a stock pot or large saucepan will do the trick. Just make sure the basket fits securely, with enough room for the steam to circulate.

Use Liners

Liners are your best friend when it comes to steaming. Parchment paper or cabbage leaves prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the basket while also making cleanup a breeze. For dumplings or other delicate items, pre-cut parchment circles or a quick DIY version with small holes punched in work great.

Arrange a Single Layer

Avoid overcrowding the basket. Lay your food in a single layer to let the steam flow freely and cook everything evenly. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking, and no one wants that.

Bring Water to a Boil

Before adding the steamer basket, fill the pot with a few inches of water—enough to create steam but not so much that it touches the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to maintain steady steam.

Add Aromatics

If you want to take your steamed dishes to the next level, aromatics are the way to go . Adding ingredients like ginger slices, garlic cloves, citrus peels, or even herbs, such as thyme or lemongrass, to the boiling water infuses subtle but noticeable flavors into your food.

As the steam rises, it carries these aromas into the ingredients, creating a more dynamic taste experience without any extra steps once the food is cooked.

The Bottom Line

At Caraway , we’re committed to making your kitchen a safer, healthier, and more efficient space. Steaming is a fantastic method that aligns perfectly with our philosophy of preserving both your food's nutrients and the planet.

With our entire range of non-toxic cookware, you're equipped to cook with confidence and peace of mind. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of steaming with tools designed to last and perform.

Ready to elevate your culinary experience? Explore our collection and discover how Caraway is redefining what it means to cook healthily. Cook well, live well, and steam your way to better meals with Caraway.

Sources:

The Science of Steaming | Asia Society

Steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook foods. | EatFresh

Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables | PMC

5 Ways to Take Your Steamed Food From Bland to Bold | Consumer Reports